'US government behind Turkish coup attempt'

Turkish cabinet minister blames US for failed coup as Turkey shuts down Incirlik Air Base used by United States.

David Rosenberg, 16/07/16 21:31

Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Reuters

A Turkish government minister has accused the United States of planning Friday night’s failed attempt to overthrow Turkey’s government.

Speaking to Turkish television Saturday night, Suleyman Soylu, Turkey’s Labor and Social Security Minister, said the US was responsible for the coup attempt.

The Turkish government shutdown access on Saturday to the Incirlik Air Base, where the United States and other NATO allies station combat units for strikes against ISIS terrorists. The air base also houses American nuclear weapons.

American forces stationed at Incirlik have been put on condition Delta, the highest alert level, after power was cut to the base.

The Turkish government ordered a no-fly zone around the air base hours in the wake of the coup attempt.